Pep Guardiola hints at major missing piece for Man City game in hand

Rodri Hernández ended Sunday’s game against Arsenal clutching his thigh and signaling to be substituted, immediately raising concerns. Relief arrived on Monday after he successfully passed medical tests, though caution still prevails. The Manchester City midfielder will not feature on Wednesday against Burnley in the Premier League, as Pep Guardiola confirmed in Tuesday’s press conference.

“I think tomorrow he [Rodri] won’t be ready,” Guardiola said. “We will see for the next game against Southampton or in 12 or 13 days against Everton. [Rúben Dias] is not yet [available].”

City could draw level on points with Arsenal if they win on Wednesday, something Guardiola framed as a reflection of consistency. “That means how good they have been, consistent they have been. We need to try and have the same points as them,” he said, highlighting the quick turnaround after Sunday’s clash. He also stressed the importance of resetting mentally.

“We talked immediately in the dressing room after the game about that focus. Arsenal are top of the league, right now they will be champions. The recovery has been a lot less than the last two weeks. It is just today, I have to see how players recover… We have six games left, I don’t know what will happen.”

On whether experience offers a psychological edge in such tight races, Guardiola pointed to the unforgiving nature of the run-in. “Both teams know what has happened in the past… we both know we can’t drop points. It will be difficult to recover. Our calendar is so demanding, our opponents are really tough. We have to adjust a few things against Arsenal but we go to win the game [at Burnley].”

Guardiola reserved particular praise for Rodri and Bernardo Silva, underlining their importance in recent weeks. “The last games have been very important for their experience but they both have a huge, special personality,” he said. “They are not young guys anymore… they know how they must play and they were exceptional.” He also emphasized how the team has coped without Rodri for long stretches, while acknowledging the added consistency he brings.

The City manager also addressed the narrative around mentality in high-stakes games. “Absolutely our body language is in the right place since many months… every mistake, not one player feels it is my mistake, we all feel it,” he explained. He dismissed shifting narratives, adding: “The game was so tight and the margins define many things.”

On John Stones, whose contract situation remains unresolved, Guardiola offered little update. “No [clarity]. All I can say he is back and he was involved in Monday’s training, that is the best news.”

Regarding young defender Reis, currently on loan at Girona, the manager praised his development. “From my info he has been unbelievable… he has grown up as a player. He has faced the best strikers in Spain and it is not easy to deal with,” Guardiola said. “The decisions will be made at the end of the season.”

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